Tranmere Rovers striker James Vaughan has today announced his retirement from professional football.
Starting his career at Everton, Vaughan holds the record for the youngest scorer in Premier League History at age 16.
Since then, the striker has gone on to enjoy a career throughout the football league for teams such as Huddersfield Town, Bury, Sunderland and Wigan Athletic amongst others. He made over 400 appearances across a 16 year career, netting over 100 goals.
Vaughan joined Rovers initially on loan in January 2020 and then permanently in the summer of 2020. Becoming an instant fans favourite for his work rate and tenacity, James scored 22 goals last season in all competitions.
Following the decision to retire, Vaughan said: “I think you get to a point when mentally and physically you know it’s time. I’ve been thinking about it for a few months now and after the recent injuries, it just feels like now is the right time to move onto the next chapter of my life.
“It was a really difficult decision to make. Coming to Tranmere was perfect for me at this stage of my career and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“The Club, the fans and everyone around the place has treated me incredibly. The hardest part about retiring was knowing I wouldn’t be playing for Tranmere next season.
“Tranmere are a Club that has become very close to my heart. It’s an honour to have ended my career here and I will always look out for Tranmere going forward. The Club is in a really good place under the Chairman and I’m sure it will get back to where it belongs.”
Everyone at Tranmere Rovers thanks James for his efforts whilst at the Club and wishes him the best of luck in retirement and his future endeavours.